The Michael Jackson documentary “This Is It” hits theaters one week from today, and it’s already climbed into MovieTickets.com’s list of the Top-25 Advance Ticket Sellers of All-Time. Right now, it’s in the no. 22 spot, having just passed “Dreamgirls.”
Supposedly, it’s going to be in theaters only two weeks, which maybe accounts for some of the ticket sales. But I imagine it’ll be held over, or head quickly to DVD for the holiday sales. Are you seeing it? Here’s one of the latest trailers from Sony.

If you want a good reference for the Michael Jackson documentary “This Is It,” then Liz Taylor would probably be right up there. And she loves it, so there.
Sony screened the movie for Taylor, as well as Jackson peeps Miko Brando, Evvy Tavasci, and hairdresser Joe Eber. Jackson and his kids spent last Easter with Eber and Taylor. Kind of an odd crew, but I guess it worked for them.
Taylor said Jackson looked great and the film is “brilliant.” The film is causing quite a rift among Jackson’s camp. So far, no one from his family has …read more

No one can ever accuse Michael Jackson of doing anything small. Even from beyond the grave, the King of Pop is breaking records.
His forthcoming tour documentary, “This Is It,” has sold out worldwide. The movie has already sold out more than 1,000 showtimes on Fandango alone, and is currently the top-selling film on Fandango, representing 27% of weekly ticket sales on the site. Experts predict it’ll bring in nearly $250,000 million dollars.
Theater owners are adding extra showtimes to meet the demand, says Fandango’s Chief Operating Officer Rick Butler. “
"At this point in the film’s sales cycle, ‘This Is …read more

Gabba Gabba Hey! The Ramones’ biopic has been in the works for a while, and it’s moving one step closer to that big screen. And not just the one Vincent Chase talks about on “Entourage” either.
Fox Searchlight is working on a movie deal about the legendary rockers, based on the upcoming memoir by Joey Ramone’s brother Mickey Leigh and longtime Ramones biographer Legs McNeil.
There’s a lot of rights issues to be worked out, but we’ll have a little faith that the project will move swimmingly towards theaters. Sure, they may have only known three chords, but they …read more

One of my favorite clips from the classic “Wizard of Oz” is when Dorothy and Toto touch down in Munchkinland. The Good Witch appears in her shimmery bubble and tells Dorothy what happened (the house landing on the Bad Witch with her ruby shoes sticking out from underneath).
To celebrate the DVD and Blu-ray release of “The Wizard of Oz 70th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Edition,” here’s the clip below. The commemorative edition contains nearly four hours of all-new and never-before-available bonus features. Buy it on Amazon. 

Movie: Fame * Trailer * Official Site
In Theaters: Sept. 25, 2009

Runtime: 107 minutes
Directed by: Kevin Tancharoen

MPAA Rating: PG for thematic material, including teen drinking, a sexual situation, and language
Gecko Rating:

The original 1980 movie “Fame” was rated R, and while I understand the desire to make this one PG (to appeal to the “High School Musical” crowd), it loses a lot in translation.
This modern version could have benefitted from a PG-13 rating; then they could have included more intense material, without trying to dilute it for the younger crowd. As it is, the movie is a little …read more

Time to resurrect Jane’s Favorite Movie Tunes with this lovely song from “Peter’s Friends,” a 1992 film about six former college friends who gather for a New Year’s Eve weekend reunion at a large English countryside manor. The film stars Hugh Laurie (loving him on “House” this season), Kenneth Branagh, Stephen Fry, Alphonsia Emmanuel, Emma Thompson, and Imelda Staunton. Have a listen …

Apparently, my answer to “Will they ever stop remaking old movies that were great to begin with?” is “No.” Now a remake of “A Star is Born” is in the works from Warner Bros. I guess it’s one of those evergreen stories that can be done each era.
Three previous incarnations starred Janet Gaynor (1937), Judy Garland (1954), and Barbra Streisand (1976) as a young, up-and-coming songstress who falls in love with an established male entertainer / rock star, only to see their careers move in different directions.
Beyonce’s name has come up as a lead in the new …read more

That classic musical “Fame” makes a comeback in theaters this weekend, along with a new Bruce Willis movie. Here’s the rundown:
Fame (PG). This modern update of Alan Parker’s 1980 movie follows a group of students attending the New York School of Performing Arts from audition through graduation.  Stars Irene Cara, Eddie Barth, Kelsey Grammer, Kay Panabaker, and Lee Curreri. Will it be as good as the original? I’ll let you know in 24 hours. [Preview & Trailer] [Official Site]
Surrogates (PG-13). Bruce Willis stars in this thriller about a futuristic world where people live in the comfort of their …read more